Israel Locks the Doors to Where Jesus Was Buried: Christians Barred From Holiest Site on Earth During Holy Week

Israel Closes Church of the Holy Sepulchre Amid Iran Conflict, Blocking Easter and Holy Week Access for Christians in Jerusalem

Israeli authorities ordered the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of Christ's crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, sealed shut on February 28, 2026, citing security concerns as the war between Israel and Iran escalated. It has remained closed ever since, marking the longest forced closure of Christianity's holiest site in living memory.

The closure came as fragments from intercepted Iranian missiles struck areas near Jerusalem's Old City, with debris landing just several hundred feet from the church itself. At least one person was injured. Israel's Civil Administration confirmed that "all holy sites in the Old City of Jerusalem, including the Western Wall, the Temple Mount, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, will remain closed for security reasons."

The three communities that share custody of the church, the Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, and Roman Catholic churches, are negotiating with Israeli authorities for permission to hold Paschal liturgies. Current expectations suggest Holy Week and Easter services may be restricted to clergy only, similar to COVID era lockdowns, if they are permitted at all.

Holy Week and Easter Under Threat as Jerusalem Holy Sites Remain Sealed

The Greek government has raised alarm over whether the annual Holy Fire ceremony, one of Orthodox Christianity's most sacred traditions dating back centuries, will be allowed to take place. The Holy See has called for the protection of "unhindered right to access" to all holy sites in Jerusalem. Despite these diplomatic appeals, the church doors remain sealed with no reopening date announced.

The Crusader's Opinion

Let us be clear about what is happening. The place where our Savior conquered death is being treated like a government building to be shuttered at the stroke of a bureaucratic pen. Security is a legitimate concern, but the complete barring of Christian worship at the very tomb of Christ during Holy Week is an outrage that should shake every believer to their core. If this happened to any other faith, the world would be in an uproar. Christians must demand that access to the Holy Sepulchre is restored immediately.

Take Action

• Speak Out: Contact the Israeli Embassy in your country and demand immediate reopening of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Holy Week
• Pray: Join Christians worldwide in prayer for the protection of Jerusalem's holy sites and for peace in the region
• Share: Post this article and ask: Why is the world silent while Christians are locked out of the place where Jesus rose from the dead?
• Support: Donate to the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land supporting Christian communities in Jerusalem
• Stay Informed: Follow the Custody of the Holy Land for updates on access to Christian holy sites